Baby Clothes Essentials: What To Buy For Your Newborn

It's tempting to fill your baby's wardrobe with adorable outfits, but buying too many newborn clothes can be unnecessary. Babies grow fast and require frequent clothing changes, so it's best to buy a minimal number of outfits in each size. Here's a guide to help you prepare for your newborn's arrival and ensure they have a comfortable wardrobe.

How many onesies does a newborn need?

The number of onesies a newborn will need depends on how often you plan to do laundry. On average, it is recommended to have at least 14 newborn clothing options (two for each day of the week). This includes onesies, bodysuits, and other types of clothing. Some sources suggest having 4 to 6 onesies, while others recommend having anywhere from 10 to 15 on hand.

It is important to consider the season and temperature when choosing how many and what types of onesies to buy. For colder temperatures, long-sleeve onesies are recommended, while short-sleeve onesies are suitable for warmer weather. It is also worth mentioning that newborns grow very quickly, so it is generally advised to buy the minimum number of clothes in each size.

Types of Onesies

Onesies come in two main styles: the traditional pullover and the fold-over style, also known as the side-snap or kimono style. The pullover style typically has an envelope neckline, allowing you to remove the onesie by sliding it down instead of pulling it over the baby's head. This can be helpful in the event of a diaper leak. The side-snap variety is often preferred by parents of newborns as it does not require pulling anything over the baby's head, who usually have limited neck control.

Laundry Considerations

When it comes to laundry, it is recommended to do smaller loads more frequently to reduce the burden of folding everything at once. It is also important to use a gentle, baby-friendly detergent to protect your newborn's sensitive skin. Pre-washing new clothing is also recommended to remove any residues, and using a gentle cycle with cold water helps prevent shrinkage and preserves fabric softness.

Other Newborn Clothing Considerations

In addition to onesies, there are other clothing items you will need for your newborn. This includes leggings or pants, pajamas or sleepers, socks, hats, and special occasion outfits. It is also important to have layers for newborns as they struggle to regulate their body temperature.

What other types of clothing does a newborn need?

When it comes to newborn babies, there are a few essential items to have on hand besides clothes. Diapers, wipes, burp cloths, bottles, and blankets are just a few things you'll likely need a lot of in those early weeks.

Now, onto the clothing! The number of clothes you need for a newborn depends on how often you plan to do laundry. If you don't mind doing laundry every two days, you won't need as many clothes as someone who wants to do laundry once a week. On average, it's best to have at least 14 newborn clothing options (two for each day of the week).

• Bodysuits/onesies: 6 to 8 bodysuits and/or onesies. Simple cotton bodysuits are inexpensive, easy to launder, and easy to get on and off tiny baby bodies. They come in two styles: the traditional pullover and the foldover, which is usually called a side-snap or kimono style.
• Pants/leggings: 3 to 4 pairs. Cotton leggings are soft and easy to pull over a baby's diaper and bodysuit.
• Pajamas/sleepers/footies: 4 to 5 pairs. You can choose footie PJs, gowns, or a combination of both. Some families keep their newborns in pajamas during the daytime, too.
• Special occasion outfits: 1 to 3 outfits. You'll likely dress your newborn in easy basics most of the time, but it's nice to have a special outfit for coming home from the hospital, family photos, or meeting family and friends.
• Socks: 5 to 6 pairs. Baby socks are inexpensive and come in packs, so it's good to have a few pairs to keep the baby's feet cozy.
• Hats: 2 to 3 hats. Baby beanies are great for keeping the baby warm and secure during the day. Just remember to remove them before naps and nighttime sleep.
• Mittens: 2 pairs of mittens are recommended for winter days to keep your baby's hands warm.

It's important to note that newborns struggle to regulate their body temperature, so layering is crucial. Long-sleeved onesies and long-sleeve sleepwear are good options. You can also match onesies with shirts.

Additionally, it's a good idea to wash all baby clothes before they are worn for the first time to remove excess dyes and chemicals that could irritate the baby's sensitive skin.

How much should you spend on newborn clothes?

The amount you spend on newborn clothes is entirely up to you and your budget. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, newborn babies grow very quickly, so it is recommended to buy the minimum number of clothes in each size. Secondly, newborns require frequent clothing changes due to diaper blowouts, spit-up mishaps, and temperature changes. Therefore, it is essential to have enough clothes to avoid doing laundry multiple times a day.

• 4 to 6 bodysuits/onesies
• 2 to 4 pairs of pants/leggings
• 4 to 5 pairs of pajamas/sleepers/footies
• 1 to 3 special occasion outfits
• 5 to 6 pairs of socks
• 1 to 2 hats
• 2 jumpsuits for nightwear
• 2 cardigans or jackets (for winter)
• 3 cotton bunny rugs and 3 muslin wraps or an infant sleeping bag

When creating a newborn wardrobe, it is essential to consider the season and temperature. For colder temperatures, opt for long-sleeve bodysuits and layers. For warmer temperatures, short-sleeve bodysuits and lighter layers are more suitable. It is also important to choose soft, comfortable, and easy-care fabrics, such as cotton, that are gentle on the baby's sensitive skin.

In terms of spending, it is recommended to buy less than you think you need and stick to the basics. Newborns do not need an extensive wardrobe, and you can always buy more clothes later as needed. Additionally, laundry will be frequent, so it is crucial to choose machine-washable and durable items to save time and money on laundry.

It is also worth mentioning that many hospitals provide disposable diapers during your stay, and some may even send you home with a few. However, newborns go through up to a dozen diapers a day, so it is essential to stock up on diapers and wipes.

What size clothes will a newborn need?

Newborn sizes

Newborn clothes are generally for babies weighing between 5-8 pounds, and will fit most babies for the first 4 weeks or so. However, many infants will outgrow newborn clothing in the first few weeks. If your baby weighs more than 7 pounds, they may skip the newborn clothing size entirely, so make sure to have at least a few 0-3 month items on hand, too.

0-3 months sizes

If you're buying clothes in advance of your baby's birth, it might be a good idea to opt for 0-3 month sizes, as newborn babies grow very quickly and you'll get more wear out of these. Clothes in this size range will probably be a little large at first but can be rolled up at the sleeves and legs, or you can opt for slightly looser onesies.

It's recommended to have at least 14 newborn clothing options (two for each day of the week). On average, babies will need to change outfits several times a day due to diaper blow-outs, spit-up mishaps, and temperature changes.

For the newborn stage, it's best to stick to basics such as onesies, undershirts, and PJs. Long-sleeved onesies and long-sleeve sleepwear are recommended, as well as layering onesies with shirts to keep newborns warm. It's also a good idea to have a couple of special occasion outfits for leaving the hospital, family photos, etc.

Laundry tips

As you'll be doing a lot of laundry, it's recommended to opt for clothes that are easy to launder, such as simple cotton bodysuits. It's also a good idea to wash all baby clothes before they're worn for the first time to get rid of excess dyes and chemicals that could irritate your baby's skin.

How often will you need to wash newborn clothes?

It's a good idea to wash all baby clothes before they're worn for the first time. This will get rid of excess dyes and chemicals, reducing the chance of irritation or an allergic reaction. You should use a gentle, baby-friendly detergent to protect your newborn's sensitive skin.

As for how often you'll need to wash your newborn's clothes, this will depend on how many outfits they go through in a day. Diaper blow-outs, spit-up mishaps, and temperature changes can mean newborns need new outfits multiple times a day. You'll also need to access their bottoms several times a day for diaper changes.

To avoid having to do laundry every day, it's a good idea to have multiples of the basics. This will give you enough buffer for the "three Ps" (pee, poop, puke) and ensure you have a two-week supply in case you get behind on laundry.

You'll also want to do smaller, more frequent loads of laundry to reduce the burden of folding everything at once.

Frequently asked questions